Camilla Jessen
Troops to handle admin and logistics as Trump ramps up anti-immigration push.
The U.S. government has sent 200 Marines to Florida to assist immigration enforcement efforts.
According to AFP and News.ro, they will provide administrative and logistical support for ICE operations under President Donald Trump’s policies.
The initiative is part of a broader plan by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the deployment, which will eventually total nearly 700 troops across states like Texas and Louisiana.
No Contact with Detainees, Military Says
In a statement, U.S. Northern Command clarified that the Marines will not be involved in arrests or law enforcement.
“Members of the armed forces participating in this mission will strictly perform tasks other than those related to maintaining public order,” the statement said.
They will help with paperwork, logistics, and transportation—but will be “expressly prohibited” from interacting with detained individuals.
The Marines will remain under ICE supervision for the duration of the deployment.
‘Alligator Alcatraz’
The deployment follows President Trump’s visit earlier this week to a new immigration detention center in Florida.
The facility, nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz,” can house up to 1,000 detainees and has drawn attention for its high-security design.
In June, Trump also sent 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 additional Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests against ICE raids.
Local leaders criticized the decision, arguing that using the military in civil immigration matters sets a troubling precedent.
Despite that, Trump has defended the deployments as necessary to support overwhelmed federal agencies and to protect key infrastructure.
